Sir, It’s good to see Helen Peacocke back on the pub trail, but I have a complaint: Barnaby.

I’m sure Barnaby is a good dog, but I haven’t the slightest interest in his canine capers or his liking for a bowl of water, hot or cold tea or warm sausages. When I read a pub review I want to know about the pub, its location, ambiance, the owners and whether the food and drink are up to scratch and, of course, how much it costs.

May I suggest that in future Helen leaves Barnaby at home for the day or puts him in kennels. Failing that she could tie him up outside the pub, although there’s nothing worse than a yapping dog apart from grizzling kids of course. And that’s a problem you face if you visit the disappointing Wetherspoon’s pub in Abingdon, The Narrows. Some lunchtimes it’s more like a kindergarten than a pub.

One pub I would recommend Helen visits is the Fleur de Lys, the only pub left in Dorchester. She and Barnaby would love it. The beer and food are excellent and kids and dogs are welcome. On my last visit I supped up my excellent pint, made my excuses and fled down the road to the bar of The George Hotel. No kids, no dogs. Heaven.

Cheers and Christmas greetings to avid followers of Peacocke’s Pubs and to Helen and Barnaby. I hope Barnaby enjoys a well-earned rest at home, gnawing his Christmas bone.

Gordon Rogers, Long Wittenham